The Hinsdale Historic Preservation Commission on July 7 voted to recommend that seven single-family homes be added to the village's historically significant structures list in the Historic Overlay District, sending the panel's case (HPC-13-2025) to the village board for final consideration.

The recommendation covers 201 North Clay Street; 311 Forest Road; 134 North Lincoln Street (the Terracotta or Gates House); 15 North Monroe Street; 136 South Oak Street; 32 West Ogden Avenue (the former Fresh Air Home); and 234 East Third Street. Bethany (staff member) told commissioners the list would push the total number of properties on Hinsdale's historically significant structures list above 100 if the village board approves the nominations.

Commissioners considered each property in turn, reviewing age, architectural style, documented alterations and existing survey findings. In presenting the first nomination, Bethany said, "we are here to review 7 additional properties for our historically significant structures list," and noted staff had located a 1926 building permit for 201 North Clay Street and that the house retains its American foursquare form despite a late-1980s rear addition and an enclosed front porch. Commissioners indicated that 201 North Clay meets criterion 3 (architectural significance).

For 311 Forest Road, Bethany described a 1940s colonial revival with an unusual octagonal window and bay windows; the front elevation is largely intact though a two-story rear addition dates to 1999. Commissioners indicated that property meets criterion 3. The commission identified 134 North Lincoln Street (the Terracotta or Gates House) as a high-priority nomination: built in 1894, clad in terracotta and associated with William Day Gates and the American Terracotta and Ceramic Company, and designed by the firm noted in the packet as "Jenny and Mundy." Bethany said the Hinsdale Historical Society supplied much of the material in that packet; commissioners recorded that 134 North Lincoln meets criteria 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Bethany said 15 North Monroe Street dates to about 1930 and is a representative Tudor Revival cottage; it retains its character despite a one-story side and rear addition from 1977, and commissioners indicated it meets criterion 3. For 136 South Oak Street, staff cited original architectural drawings found by the owner and discussed two potential notable early owners (architect William Barfield and former village president John C. Wood). Commissioners indicated 136 South Oak meets criteria 2 through 6.

The commission discussed 32 West Ogden Avenue as the former Fresh Air Home, a mid-19th-century structure (circa 1852) that provided retreats for underprivileged women and children from Chicago. Bethany said the house survives in altered but recognizable form; commissioners indicated it meets criteria 1, 5 and 6. Finally, 234 East Third Street, built circa 1895 and noted on prior surveys, was identified as meeting criterion 3.

After the presentations and brief discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend village board approval of the seven properties under case HPC-13-2025; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioner Barclay, Commissioner Harlow, Commissioner Elder, Commissioner Olsen and Chairman Bonin voting aye. The public hearing for the case was opened and closed the same evening with no public speakers.

The commission also noted logistical items: staff announced a July 15 dedication ceremony at 6:30 p.m. for a recently installed historic plaque, and commissioners approved the minutes of the June 4 meeting earlier in the session.

The village board will receive the HPC's recommendation; the commission packet and survey citations included references to prior local surveys (North Hinsdale survey, 2005; Northeast Hinsdale survey, 1999) and historic research provided by the Hinsdale Historical Society. The village board has the final authority to add properties to the historically significant structures list in the Historic Overlay District.